Sticky Beaks
Dear Barb,
How do I politely manage clients who want to ‘pop in’ to check on their dog mid-groom in my van? It’s such a small space, and I feel awkward.
Dear Blind that Peeker,
Oh sweetheart, people can’t stand mystery when it comes to their dogs - the second the door closes, their imagination starts spinning like “What’s happening? Is he being fluffed? Is she finished? Is he bald??” The van becomes Schrödinger’s Dog - both perfect and disastrous until observed.
And listen - I’m a salon girl - I have walls, space, airflow, and a front desk. Rhonda, on the other hand, has spent decades grooming in a glorified shoebox with plumbing. So I’m handing this one over to the woman who knows her way around tight quarters and nosy owners.
RHONDA SAYS
Alright, listen - there are two things dogs don’t need during a groom: a surprise audience and a human suddenly climbing into the van like they’re entering a submarine.
Your van might be plugged into their house, sure - but that’s just electricity, not conset. It’s your work zone. Your cockpit. Your tiny grooming dojo.
I usually start with something warm-but-firm:
“Hey there! Dogs always settle better when it’s just me in the van. Once we’re finished, I’ll bring them straight out to you.”
Said with a smile.
Said like gospel.
And if someone STILL tries to peek in - I’ve got my trusty door sign:
“Paw-lease wait outside. I’ll bring your dog out shortly.”
And I swear - people respect laminated words more than verbal ones. Humans are weird.
And look - I’m not hiding state secrets in here. It’s just that halfway through a groom, every dog looks like a damp cryptid. If owners saw their fluffy prince looking like a soggy unplucked chicken, they’d spiral.
You’re not being touchy - you’re creating calm.
Your van is not a public view tank, and the person who tries to enter while you’re working is basically walking into your shower to ask how you’re going.
Protect the peace, protect the dog, and protect your sanity.
So keep that door closed! Let the dog exist in grooming quantum mystery until you reveal the final result.
Barb-bye!
